Webster City Race Days and Season Opener for The Motor Inn of Webster City IMCA Late Models brings drivers, fans from far and wide.

By: Ryan Bergeson

The Hamilton County Speedway was full of excitement this Saturday night as 90 race teams packed the pit area. Also, 24 race teams made their way to Main Street on Saturday afternoon for the 1st Annual Webster City Race Days. Special thanks to all the fans, crews, drivers, and our great Webster City retailers who devoted their time to promote our great sport. Congratulations to Jason Hahne, who was voted by the fans, best appearing car.

Night number 2 at the Hamilton County Speedway offered great racing all night long. The first race of the night was the running of the IMCA Sport Compacts. Once again, Jena Barthelmes showed that she was the class of the field and was able to hold off a late race charge by Tyler Pickett and pick up her second win of the racing season. Tyler Pickett, Luke Jennings, and Les Houser would round out the top four.

The Performance Electric Hobby Stocks were next to take center stage. Mark Haglund was able to right the wrong from a week ago. Last Saturday night Haglund went for a wild ride while leading the first heat race of the season in turn number one. This week, Haglund would show that hard work and determination would pay as he was able to lead every lap of the 12 lap event on his way to the feature win. Kevin Schmauss, Jamie Odor, and Brandon Toftee would round out the top four.

The Neighbors Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing Stock Cars would be next for their 15 lap feature event. Land Deal would show the way early as Jason Wagoner, Mitchell Griffith and Reid Keller would all battle right behind him. Wagoner would make several attempts to move to the second spot but would be out of time as Mitchell Griffith would hold on to the second spot. Lance Deal would gas it up off of turn four for the final time to take the checkered flag. Deal was followed to the finish line by Griffith, Wagoner, and Reid Keller.

The Conleys Trucking Limited Modifieds would have Brett Moffitt grabbing the early lead. On lap number two, Matt Lettow would power up his machine and sling shot pass for the lead. Nate Caruth would make his way to the front of the field midway through the race. Moffitt and Caruth would have a great battle for second on the race track for several laps, but would out of time running down Lettow. Lettow would pick up the win followed by Moffitt, Caruth and George Gilliland.

The Modifieds were next on the speedway for their 20 lap feature event. Early on in the event, Mark Elliott and Scott Williams would go wheel to wheel racing for the top prize. Finally, Elliott was able to make the pass and take the lead. Williams would then be challenged by Jason Toppenberg as he tried to find the right stuff to run down Elliott. As the laps would wind down, Joe McBirnie and Jon Snyder would all make the move to front of the field. Mark Elliott would cruise his way to the checkered flag followed by Jason Toppenberg, Scott Williams, and Joe Paullin.

The finale of the night was the debut of The Motor Inn of Webster City IMCA Late Models. Craig Jacobs was able to hold on for the first 16 laps and survive several yellows due to altercations. Jacobs was able to gain several large advantages on the restarts until Robert See would make his way to second. On the restart on lap 16, Robert See would power his car to the bottom of the race track and grab the lead as they exited turn two. See would grab a large margin as Jacobs would be challenged by DeFrance, Todd Cooney, and Clint Wendel. At the finish line, it was almost to close to call for the second spot as DeFrance would take the slight advantage for second with Jacobs having to settle for third. Robert See would pick his first ever Feature win in the Late Model division at The Hamilton County Speedway. Todd Cooney would round out the top four.

Chamber of Commerce of Webster City night at the races offered all kinds of excitement and family fun this Saturday night. A great start to the 2007 racing season and we hope to have everyone make their way back next Saturday night. Hot Laps on Saturday nights at the Hamilton County Speedway always start at 6:00 p.m. with racing to follow. Special thanks to everyone that was in attendance on night number two and we’ll look forward to another night of action packed, family fun next Saturday night.